Residential Property Revitalization Zone (RPRZ) / RSA 79-E Tax Relief

How it works

Keene's Residential Property Revitalization Zone program provides temporary property tax relief for renovation projects that significantly improve qualifying residential structures.

What the money covers

The city says projects must provide at least one public benefit. One listed benefit is increasing livability via flood proofing if the property is in a flood zone, remediating contamination, or significantly improving energy performance.

Amounts and matching

The city says a project must cost at least 15% of the pre-rehabilitation assessed value or $50,000, whichever is less. The City Council decides the duration of tax relief.

How to apply

Applications must be approved and a covenant signed and filed before construction or rehabilitation begins. After approval, the applicant must record a covenant with the city at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds, and work can start only after approval and recording.

Timing and deadlines

The city says the public hearing occurs within 60 days once the application is complete, and the City Council votes within 45 days after the hearing. Tax relief starts after the project is complete.

Other details

The city says qualifying structures are existing residential structures with City water and sewer access, at least 40 years old, and with no more than 4 units.